Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1887-12-24
AWARDS FOR BEST PAIN-CURE
THE CHARLES A. VOGELER COMPANY, BALTIMORE, MD
ROBBING THE BANK OF ENGLAND.
A Relative of One of the Noted Bidwell
Gang Arrested in San Francisco.

A Relative of One of the Noted BidweII
Gang Arrested in San Francisco.
What appears to be deep-laid plot to
rob the Bank of England, by means of
counterfeit notes, has been nipped in the
bud by the detective force of San Fran
cisco. About two months ago Captain
Lees, chief of detectives, received infor-
nation that young engraver had agreed
to engrave a c-simile of a f5 note
issued by the Bank of England.
The captain called upon the en-
graver, whose name he refuses to divulge,
and learned that the man said he wanted
notes to issue with an advertisement of
patent medicine. The stranger, who
gave his name as ]. III. Sherman, in order
to allay any suspicion which might arise
in the mind of the engraver, told him
that he had received permission from
the proper authorities to use the notes
for advertising purposes. He desired
that the block should be perfect in every
respect, and he promised to pay the en-
graver 1875 for his trouble.
Sherman called on the engraver every
afternoon to ascertain how he was pro-
crossing He was followed from there
by Detective Meagher to a real estate
office under the Palace Hotel, where il
was ascertained he worked as clerk.
Since that day, seven weeks ago, the de-
tectives have never lost sight of Sher-
man. The engraved block was COM
pleted recently and the detectives were
Informed of the fact. Capt. Lees in
structed the engraver to give the block
to Sherman when he called. Sherman
called at the office about three o'clock,
received his block and paid for it. He had
a proof taken and was well pleased
with the work, for it was good fac
smile of the Bank of England notes
Sherman then turned into the hall to
leave the building, and he had not pro-
ceeded very far when Detectives Balm
bridge and Hanly took him in charge
He was hurried to Captain Lees office
in the old City Hall, and was closely
questioned, but he refused to make any
statement other than that he wanted to
use the notes as an advertisement for a
patent medicine. When asked to name
the patent medicine in which he was in
terested he faltered, then refused to say
ANYTHING. He was accordingly locked
the mind of the detective that he did not
intend using the block for any illegal
purpose, but his story did not receive
credence.
Captain Lees knew little of the modest
clerk of the real estate office. AS patent
medicine agent he was known to the de-
tectiye as j b. Mcdonald, alias Mcdonnell
brother of George Mcdonnell, who is
one of the most noted forgers in the
world. 1t was George Mcdonnell and
Austin and Byron Bidwell who in 1873
swindled the Bank of England out OF
over $1,OOO,OOO by means of forged
checks and notes. The facts connected
with the forgery were of worldwide in
terest at the time, and for months the
press was kept busy with the deeds OF
the famous Bank of England forgers
Mcdonnell, alias Sherman, is possessed OF
very polished manners, and he would be
one of the last men any ordinary person
would suspect of having any designs on
the Golfers of the Bank of England.